A Deconstructive Investigation of the Prevalent Matrimonial Norms Creating Gender Disparity in Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Bride (1990)

Abstract

Based on qualitative research, the paper endeavors to deconstruct gender disparity in matrimonial stereotypical norms in Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Bride (1990). Sidhwais one of the key Anglophone, diaspora Americanbased Pakistani fiction writers whose art can be taken as a representative voice for minority and segregated segments of society. The study plumbs into the textual-cum descriptive investigation of the novel from the poststructural (deconstructive) perspective of Judith Butler, a modern acclaimed gender theorist. The theoretical threads that can be found in the novel that manifest the influence of marriage, race and tribe. Therefore, the revered
institution of marriage that has been denoted predominantly in the novel, is centered upon the cultural norms of ethnicity, race and patriarchy that shape disparity in gender roles on the basis of sexual classification. Consequently, the two different categorizations of identity work through the culture, one that grants a favourable role to men (husbands) and the second that determines subservient role for women (wives). The study thus deconstructs the matrimonial gender roles that pose a threat to equal possibilities for men and women requisite for the progress of a society.